Islamorada day tour from Fort Lauderdale: Beach, boat & lunch

Walk a Florida Keys beach, cruise the mangroves for wildlife, and eat lunch on the water

A full-day naturalist-guided tour from Fort Lauderdale to Islamorada includes an oceanside nature walk at Anne's Beach, a one-hour bayside boat cruise through mangrove forests, lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and free time at a marina. Roundtrip transportation from Fort Lauderdale and an experienced guide are included. The day runs approximately 11 hours with about five hours of drive time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Islamorada tour with nature and lunch

• Pass by Miami enroute to Islamorada
• Drive through Key Largo with guide commentary
• Take oceanside nature walk at Lower Matecumbe Key
• Enjoy 1-hour mangrove scenic boat cruise
• Have oceanside lunch at Islamorada restaurant
• Relax with free time at Islamorada marina

The experience

The tour leaves Fort Lauderdale and heads south through Miami and Key Largo before reaching Islamorada. Your guide, a trained naturalist, shares information about the Keys as you travel. Once there, you walk at your own pace along Anne's Beach in Lower Matecumbe Key, either on a boardwalk or wading through shallow warm water to see the landscape the Keys are known for.

The boat portion is a one-hour cruise through the winding mangrove forests and shallow bays of the Upper Keys. From the water you look for manatees, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles, rays, and birds. The route also passes some of Islamorada's waterfront homes. Lunch follows at an oceanside restaurant with mangrove views. The menu includes conch fritters, mahi-mahi tacos, grouper sandwich, seafood pasta, salads, and vegetarian options like hummus with veggies. Bottled water comes with the tour.

After lunch, you have free time at a world-class marina where you can watch tarpon feeding, order a drink, or browse gift shops. The air-conditioned vehicle and experienced guide stay with the group throughout. The full day involves roughly five hours of driving round trip, with about 30 minutes of rest stops built in.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transportation from Fort Lauderdale.
• experienced naturalist guide.
• lunch at an oceanside restaurant.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Key West Day Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from Fort Lauderdale means you skip arranging your own transport to the Keys. The five-hour drive is handled, and the guide navigates the route while you settle in. This works for anyone staying in Fort Lauderdale or the surrounding area without a rental car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Anne's Beach like and what do you do there?

Anne's Beach in Lower Matecumbe Key is an oceanside stretch where you walk at your own pace (either on a boardwalk or wading through the shallow tropical water) to see the picturesque views of the Florida Keys.

What wildlife might you see on the mangrove boat cruise?

The one-hour bayside cruise through the Upper Keys mangrove forests is where you look for manatees, dolphins, sharks, crocodiles, rays, and birds from the water's vantage point.

What restaurant options are available for lunch?

Lunch is at an oceanside Islamorada restaurant with mangrove views. The menu includes mahi-mahi tacos, grouper sandwich, conch fritters, seafood pasta, chicken dishes, salads, and vegetarian choices like hummus with veggies. Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free can be accommodated.

How much driving is involved and what's included in the vehicle?

Roundtrip drive time is approximately five hours, with about 30 minutes of rest stops. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water is provided for passengers.

What happens during the free time at the marina?

At the Islamorada marina you can watch tarpon feeding, order a cocktail or local draft beer, or shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the gift shops.